STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An 11-pound Dachshund rescued from a rural Georgia "kill shelter" was gifted to Hurricane Sandy survivor Pat Dresch on her birthday Thursday by The Humane Society of the United States.

"This is so exciting; it's overwhelming," said Mrs. Dresch, whose husband, George, and daughter, Angela, 13, perished in the superstorm.

Making himself right at home in Mrs. Dresch's new two-story Tottenville house, 3-year-old Little Mikey -- named after Rep. Michael Grimm, who helped make the match -- curled up on the living room couch basking in the glow of cameras and submitting to belly rubs during a press event.

"We've been together since the beginning," said Grimm (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) of Mrs. Dresch, his arm around her. "It's important to take positive steps, to move forward. It's never going to be easy for Pat. But on those lonely nights, these two are going to cuddle up. He is going to bring a lot of love to this home."

Derek Tabacco and Guyon Rescue have been refurbishing it, including putting in new flooring and bathrooms.

The Humane Society's Michael Markarian, who was on hand, said an estimated 3 million dogs and cats are euthanized annually. He described the shelter Little Mikey was rescued from as one with a high kill rate. The dog had heartworm, but was treated.

"It's great that he was able to be rescued and given a second chance," said Markarian. "The rescue group named him Nibbles. Now he has a new name and a new home."

Grimm and Tabacco also feted Mrs. Dresch with a birthday cake and flowers.